Today, the paper on the economic system was due, yet several kids told me they didn't have their paper. A couple of kids told me it was because they were absent one day this week, but today that excuse didn't fly. I explained to kids that they were given the due date of December 15 on December 5, and that the date has been posted in the room since Monday on the planning board.
Doing a project like this asks students to apply knowledge, it's not memorizing facts to use on a multiple-choice test. It is a more difficult task, but I feel it's more important that simple memorization. I know students are at different places, developmentally, but I know they have been engaged in group work in elementary school. This is where one learns to use time effectively, work with a group, and set/meet daily goals. We will be doing at least one more group project this year, so hopefully students will take away from this activity a little knowledge about group work.
Unless your child is still working on their Economic paragraph, there is no homework today.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
It's Time!!
Today, groups began their presentations. It was interesting to watch a few groups "scramble" to complete work because they either hadn't worked as a group during work time or had trouble with time management. However, everyone managed to get something on poster board and turned in, so there was success.
Today and tomorrow each group will present its country to the rest of the class. The presentations have been interesting, and the kids really "know" their countries. I enjoy seeing their imaginations at work.
Tomorrow, the INDIVIDUAL paper(paragraph) about the economy of the group's country is due. I've been saying, for the past six days, that each student needs to turn in a paper about their country's economy. I shared an example paper yesterday, and explained that I should be walking out of school on Thursday with 135 papers to read over winter break. So, the only HOMEWORK is the individual paper.
Thanks,
Cathy
Today and tomorrow each group will present its country to the rest of the class. The presentations have been interesting, and the kids really "know" their countries. I enjoy seeing their imaginations at work.
Tomorrow, the INDIVIDUAL paper(paragraph) about the economy of the group's country is due. I've been saying, for the past six days, that each student needs to turn in a paper about their country's economy. I shared an example paper yesterday, and explained that I should be walking out of school on Thursday with 135 papers to read over winter break. So, the only HOMEWORK is the individual paper.
Thanks,
Cathy
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Projects
"The projects are due tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, the projects are due."
An homage to "Annie", which the High School will be preforming at some point this year, but I digress. The Group Projects are due tomorrow, December 14. Because we have had shortened hours yesterday and today, I will be giving each class the first 30 minutes of class time to put on the finishing touches. If a group is done, the kids will be free to work on their individual paper, based on their country's economy, that is due on Thursday.
There seems to be some "mystery" around the individual paper. I'm not sure why; I've mentioned it every day since the project was introduced, it is mentioned at least three times in the planning packet each kid received, and it's written in two places in the classroom. Today I shared an example with each class, so hopefully everything is clear. I'm not sure what other steps I can take; it now becomes the responsibility of each student to make sure the work is complete.
Thanks,
Cathy
An homage to "Annie", which the High School will be preforming at some point this year, but I digress. The Group Projects are due tomorrow, December 14. Because we have had shortened hours yesterday and today, I will be giving each class the first 30 minutes of class time to put on the finishing touches. If a group is done, the kids will be free to work on their individual paper, based on their country's economy, that is due on Thursday.
There seems to be some "mystery" around the individual paper. I'm not sure why; I've mentioned it every day since the project was introduced, it is mentioned at least three times in the planning packet each kid received, and it's written in two places in the classroom. Today I shared an example with each class, so hopefully everything is clear. I'm not sure what other steps I can take; it now becomes the responsibility of each student to make sure the work is complete.
Thanks,
Cathy
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Deadline is Nigh!
Today the students are working on their group projects, with one day before the Group Poster is due. The poster is due Wednesday, December 14. The Group Project has been our focus since December 6th, and each day there has been a goal for each group to complete to stay "on schedule". There has also been information posted in class regarding needed information for the poster. All this information is also in the planning packet each student received when the project was introduced.
We had an Orchestra concert today,and we will have a Band concert tomorrow. This means the class hours are shortened, by about 10 minutes, but there is still plenty of time to complete this Group Assignment. I'm looking forward to hearing the group presentations on Wednesday!!
Thanks,
Cathy
We had an Orchestra concert today,and we will have a Band concert tomorrow. This means the class hours are shortened, by about 10 minutes, but there is still plenty of time to complete this Group Assignment. I'm looking forward to hearing the group presentations on Wednesday!!
Thanks,
Cathy
Thursday, December 8, 2011
And so it goes....
We continued today to work on the "Create a Country" group projects. Each day I post the days' goal; today each member of the group should have completed the Economy planning page (page 5 in the planning packet). I've told the kids that this will be of the utmost help when they write their individual paper (really a one or two paragraph paper) on their country's economy.
Some groups are working together better than others, but I continually remind the kids that the project is due next week. I've also told them that goals that aren't met by the end of class on Friday will become homework. Everyone should be ready to start "building" the country poster on Monday. I'd like the posters to not have to go home on Tuesday; the paper is on the thin side and doesn't travel well.
There is no homework tonight, but you might want to ask your child about their Economic paper.
Thanks,
Cathy
Some groups are working together better than others, but I continually remind the kids that the project is due next week. I've also told them that goals that aren't met by the end of class on Friday will become homework. Everyone should be ready to start "building" the country poster on Monday. I'd like the posters to not have to go home on Tuesday; the paper is on the thin side and doesn't travel well.
There is no homework tonight, but you might want to ask your child about their Economic paper.
Thanks,
Cathy
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
No Homework!
Oops! I forgot to mention that there will be no homework for the next few days. The kids have the entire class period to work with their groups, and I am posting daily goals for the project. If a group has not been "productive" there may be homework over the weekend, but I'm not currently assigning homework.
Next Monday, December 12, each group will be given the poster board they need to make their country display. I explained to them today that I won't give them the "fun part" until all the pieces are ready to put on the poster. In the past, too much time was dedicated to smaller details, while the "meat" of the project was cast aside. It's a learning process of all of us!
The due dates have been changed; the poster is now due Wednesday,December 14 and the individual Economy paper is due Thursday, December 15.
Thanks,
Cathy
Next Monday, December 12, each group will be given the poster board they need to make their country display. I explained to them today that I won't give them the "fun part" until all the pieces are ready to put on the poster. In the past, too much time was dedicated to smaller details, while the "meat" of the project was cast aside. It's a learning process of all of us!
The due dates have been changed; the poster is now due Wednesday,December 14 and the individual Economy paper is due Thursday, December 15.
Thanks,
Cathy
A Long Break
Greetings,
It's been a while, but I'm back!! Yesterday was Ms Lytle's official last day, but she will be back on Friday for a visit. We are all going to miss her; she did an excellent job and the kids really liked her. She will be my first choice if I ever need a substitute!
I sent an "e-blast" on Monday about the "Create a Country" group project that we are currently working on in class. This project is your child's chance to apply all that has been learned about culture and economics over the past month. There is also a geography component, too, so all that atlas work will be important. There will be a heavy emphasis on the Economy component of this assignment; I have asked that per capita GDP be realistic. I think it's important that the students start to think of economics as an important part of Social Studies, even if the book only dedicates five pages to that particular subject.
Working in a group can sometimes be difficult, but according to employers, it's one of the most important processes required in the "work world". A few kids have asked to work alone, and I've tried to encourage them to stick with the group, but there have been a couple who have made the choice to work alone. I'm not sure if these kids understand the amount of work required, so if your child is working alone, be aware that it was a choice.
If you are interested in what is required for the "Create a Country" project all the information has been posted on my LAS/LMS web-site under "Classroom Documents" :-)
Thanks,
Cathy
It's been a while, but I'm back!! Yesterday was Ms Lytle's official last day, but she will be back on Friday for a visit. We are all going to miss her; she did an excellent job and the kids really liked her. She will be my first choice if I ever need a substitute!
I sent an "e-blast" on Monday about the "Create a Country" group project that we are currently working on in class. This project is your child's chance to apply all that has been learned about culture and economics over the past month. There is also a geography component, too, so all that atlas work will be important. There will be a heavy emphasis on the Economy component of this assignment; I have asked that per capita GDP be realistic. I think it's important that the students start to think of economics as an important part of Social Studies, even if the book only dedicates five pages to that particular subject.
Working in a group can sometimes be difficult, but according to employers, it's one of the most important processes required in the "work world". A few kids have asked to work alone, and I've tried to encourage them to stick with the group, but there have been a couple who have made the choice to work alone. I'm not sure if these kids understand the amount of work required, so if your child is working alone, be aware that it was a choice.
If you are interested in what is required for the "Create a Country" project all the information has been posted on my LAS/LMS web-site under "Classroom Documents" :-)
Thanks,
Cathy
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Economics Rule!
We continue to explore the science of Economics! We are talking about Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. The past two days we have been learning about Capital, Human, and Natural Resources and how those resources are allocated. Whew! It's difficult, it's abstract, but it's fun to explore.
On Friday, we will have the Final Test over Oceans, Seas, and Continents. We are doing a minimal review in class, but it will be the student's responsibility to ready for the test on Friday. Using any world map will help your child study for the test.
Along with the seven continents, the oceans we will be asking the students to identify are the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans. They will also need to know these Seas: Arabian Sea, Bering Sea, Caribbean Sea, Coral Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, and South China Sea.
Thanks,
Cathy
On Friday, we will have the Final Test over Oceans, Seas, and Continents. We are doing a minimal review in class, but it will be the student's responsibility to ready for the test on Friday. Using any world map will help your child study for the test.
Along with the seven continents, the oceans we will be asking the students to identify are the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans. They will also need to know these Seas: Arabian Sea, Bering Sea, Caribbean Sea, Coral Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, and South China Sea.
Thanks,
Cathy
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Micro and Macro
Today, after everyone was done being amazed by the fact that it was snowing, in Michigan, in November, Ms Lytle was discussing the difference between microeconomics and macroeconomics! I don't remember any of this being talked about when I was in 6th Grade, but it was so long ago perhaps those terms hadn't been invented!
Ms Lytle had prepared a "prezi", which is an interactive PowerPoint, to introduce micro/macro and some of the vocabulary that is associated with this section of economics. We will be doing a few hands-on activities as we work through this economics unit.
There is no homework today; enjoy the sloppy weather!
Cathy
Ms Lytle had prepared a "prezi", which is an interactive PowerPoint, to introduce micro/macro and some of the vocabulary that is associated with this section of economics. We will be doing a few hands-on activities as we work through this economics unit.
There is no homework today; enjoy the sloppy weather!
Cathy
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
It's all about Economy!
Last Friday, the students took the test over Chapter 3, and with great success! Mr. Vandendberg, Ms Lytle, and I had decided that 70%, or a C-, would be the lowest grade we would accept as a passing grade. The students rose to the occasion, we had about 10% of ALL 6th graders who needed to re-test.
On Monday, the class started watching "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". Why, you're asking yourself, would the students watch that movie in Social Studies. I had talked with Ms Lytle about showing the "Golden ticket " portion of the movie as a wonderful example of "scarcity", but then decided the entire movie is actually about economics. There will be a big emphasis on economics and its vocabulary this year, so this movie is a great way to introduce many of the concepts in a "kid friendly" manner. The students have been asked to take notes during the movie, with focus questions about levels of industry (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary), factors of production, and competition to name a few. Today the students will be asked to write a short response to a question based on the movie. We will refer to the movie as we move through our unit on Ecomonics, too.
We will be focusing on Economics until Christmas break. We will have a BIG, culminating project in which the students will be asked to work in a small group to create a country. The group will have to incorporate cutlural traits, geographical features, and a four level economic system. The kids have had fun witht this project in the past, but we will ask that the project be a little more "realistic" this year. We won't allow a country to have a GDP of $500,000,000,000,000. However, if such a country existed, I wouldn't mind living there for a couple of years!
There is no homework tonight :-)
Thanks,
Cathy
On Monday, the class started watching "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". Why, you're asking yourself, would the students watch that movie in Social Studies. I had talked with Ms Lytle about showing the "Golden ticket " portion of the movie as a wonderful example of "scarcity", but then decided the entire movie is actually about economics. There will be a big emphasis on economics and its vocabulary this year, so this movie is a great way to introduce many of the concepts in a "kid friendly" manner. The students have been asked to take notes during the movie, with focus questions about levels of industry (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary), factors of production, and competition to name a few. Today the students will be asked to write a short response to a question based on the movie. We will refer to the movie as we move through our unit on Ecomonics, too.
We will be focusing on Economics until Christmas break. We will have a BIG, culminating project in which the students will be asked to work in a small group to create a country. The group will have to incorporate cutlural traits, geographical features, and a four level economic system. The kids have had fun witht this project in the past, but we will ask that the project be a little more "realistic" this year. We won't allow a country to have a GDP of $500,000,000,000,000. However, if such a country existed, I wouldn't mind living there for a couple of years!
There is no homework tonight :-)
Thanks,
Cathy
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Don't Forget; Test Tomorrow!
We have been gearing up for the test over Chapter 3, "The World's People" the past two days. The students were asked to complete all the work in their booklet so the last three pages could be corrected in class today. The students also took a "practice" test today which they should bring home tonight to assist in studying for the test.
Ms Lytle also made a Jeopardy game with all questions coming directly from the test. The kids worked in groups to answer the questions. It sounded like everyone had fun reviewing!
So, the homework for tonight is to STUDY for the test.
Thanks,
Cathy
Ms Lytle also made a Jeopardy game with all questions coming directly from the test. The kids worked in groups to answer the questions. It sounded like everyone had fun reviewing!
So, the homework for tonight is to STUDY for the test.
Thanks,
Cathy
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
HOMEWORK!
Greetings,
Today, your child will probably have homework; pages 10,11 and 12 in the booklet "The World's People" need to be completed by tomorrow, Thursday, November 3. The students have had time to work on the pages each day during class, but since students work at different paces, some may not be done with the work. Ms Lytel also passed out a "Chapter Test Review" today, which the students started in class. We will correct that review sheet tomorrow and send it home to use as a test review tool.
The pages in this booklet will help your child study for the test. Tomorrow, we will go over the answers and play Jeopardy as a study tool.
If your child does not need to complete booklet pages, it would be a big help if they reviewed their Vocabulary Flashcards.
Thanks,
Cathy
Today, your child will probably have homework; pages 10,11 and 12 in the booklet "The World's People" need to be completed by tomorrow, Thursday, November 3. The students have had time to work on the pages each day during class, but since students work at different paces, some may not be done with the work. Ms Lytel also passed out a "Chapter Test Review" today, which the students started in class. We will correct that review sheet tomorrow and send it home to use as a test review tool.
The pages in this booklet will help your child study for the test. Tomorrow, we will go over the answers and play Jeopardy as a study tool.
If your child does not need to complete booklet pages, it would be a big help if they reviewed their Vocabulary Flashcards.
Thanks,
Cathy
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Test is Coming! The Test is Coming!
31 October 2011
What's more frightening than Halloween? A test!! We will be having the test over Chapter 3 "The World's People" on Friday, November 4. We are finishing the chapter tomorrow, and will have a review sheet to help the students prepare for the test. Look for that review sheet on Wednesday. However, every assignment we have had in the past two weeks has been tied to the test. I went through the test last week and every question is related to the chapter vocabulary.
There is no homework today; who would do it anyway when trick-or-treating is on the agenda? Just keep reviewing the vocabulary from the chapter.
Thanks,
Cathy
What's more frightening than Halloween? A test!! We will be having the test over Chapter 3 "The World's People" on Friday, November 4. We are finishing the chapter tomorrow, and will have a review sheet to help the students prepare for the test. Look for that review sheet on Wednesday. However, every assignment we have had in the past two weeks has been tied to the test. I went through the test last week and every question is related to the chapter vocabulary.
There is no homework today; who would do it anyway when trick-or-treating is on the agenda? Just keep reviewing the vocabulary from the chapter.
Thanks,
Cathy
Friday, October 28, 2011
28 October 2011
It's Friday! Go Red Arrows! CNN Student News!
We watched CNN Student News; ask your student about the soon-to-be 7 billion people on the face of Earth!!
We did Question of the Day, and the students turned in their "QotD" papers for credit.
Today Ms Lytle continued in Chapter 3, Section 2. This section discusses Economic Systems, an idea that will be expanded during the month of November.
*******There is HOMEWORK this weekend; a 10 question open-book, open-note quiz over Section 2. Remind your student that questions answered on previous pages of their booklet will probably help them answer the Quiz questions.*******
The test over Chapter 3 will be Friday, November 4.
Thanks,
Cathy
We watched CNN Student News; ask your student about the soon-to-be 7 billion people on the face of Earth!!
We did Question of the Day, and the students turned in their "QotD" papers for credit.
Today Ms Lytle continued in Chapter 3, Section 2. This section discusses Economic Systems, an idea that will be expanded during the month of November.
*******There is HOMEWORK this weekend; a 10 question open-book, open-note quiz over Section 2. Remind your student that questions answered on previous pages of their booklet will probably help them answer the Quiz questions.*******
The test over Chapter 3 will be Friday, November 4.
Thanks,
Cathy
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
26 October 2011
Greetings!
Ms Lytle and I were in a Department meeting all day Tuesday, but the sub said all the classes did a nice job. It's always a pleasure to come back to the classroom and read a positive report from the sub.
We are making our way through Chapter 3, with the test scheduled for Friday, November 4th. We are reviewing and introducing vocabulary on a daily basis, and yesterday the kids were given Vocabulary Flashcards. You should see a baggie full of Vocab Cards today.
The students started reading about different types of economic systems and will continue reading that section tomorrow.
Ms Lytle asked the kids to bring their Vocab Flashcards home today and study them for HOMEWORK. There will be Vocab Bingo tomorrow, and probably an open-book quiz over Section 2 by Friday.
Thanks,
Cathy
Ms Lytle and I were in a Department meeting all day Tuesday, but the sub said all the classes did a nice job. It's always a pleasure to come back to the classroom and read a positive report from the sub.
We are making our way through Chapter 3, with the test scheduled for Friday, November 4th. We are reviewing and introducing vocabulary on a daily basis, and yesterday the kids were given Vocabulary Flashcards. You should see a baggie full of Vocab Cards today.
The students started reading about different types of economic systems and will continue reading that section tomorrow.
Ms Lytle asked the kids to bring their Vocab Flashcards home today and study them for HOMEWORK. There will be Vocab Bingo tomorrow, and probably an open-book quiz over Section 2 by Friday.
Thanks,
Cathy
Monday, October 24, 2011
24 October 2011
Happy Monday!!
I know it's Monday, but at least the sun is shining!!
Today, the students started a new week of "Question of the Day" which will serve as a review of the vocabulary from Chapter 3. We are trying to help the kids understand the essence of each vocabulary word, not just the "book definition". These are terms that they will encounter in 7th Grade, too, so really understanding the terms now will serve them well in the future.
Ms Lytle is showing the students pictures of families from different cultures with a week's worth of groceries, and what the family spends on their groceries. It's an eye-opening experience for the kids to see how much, or how little, food is purchase by each family. The appearance of American food is interesting for them, too. We will continue to look at a few families each day this week.
There is no homework today; we are continuing to read Chapter 3. Tomorrow, I think we will be in Section 2-Economic Systems :-)
Cathy
I know it's Monday, but at least the sun is shining!!
Today, the students started a new week of "Question of the Day" which will serve as a review of the vocabulary from Chapter 3. We are trying to help the kids understand the essence of each vocabulary word, not just the "book definition". These are terms that they will encounter in 7th Grade, too, so really understanding the terms now will serve them well in the future.
Ms Lytle is showing the students pictures of families from different cultures with a week's worth of groceries, and what the family spends on their groceries. It's an eye-opening experience for the kids to see how much, or how little, food is purchase by each family. The appearance of American food is interesting for them, too. We will continue to look at a few families each day this week.
There is no homework today; we are continuing to read Chapter 3. Tomorrow, I think we will be in Section 2-Economic Systems :-)
Cathy
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Back to "Normal"!
20 October 2011
Today, we returned to our regular schedule, including GA. This is nice because it gives kids a chance to get started on homework.
Ms Lytle collected the Picture Vocabulary assignment, and unfortunately several students were not done with the assignment. Those students were "zapped" which means they had to spend their lunch working on their homework while eating their lunch.
As we move deeper into Chapter 3, there will be an assignment every day. Today the students received their "packet" which is all the work associated with Chapter 3 that will be on the test in some form. This chapter is FULL of vocabulary, but the vocabulary conveys the concepts of the chapter. It is very important that your student understand the concepts of the vocabulary; simply memorizing the vocabulary will not provide enough knowledge. In an effort to reinforce the understanding of vocabulary words, we have been using a vocabulary word each day as "Question of the Day".
The assignment for today is to do pages 1,2, and 3 in the Chapter 3 packet. Time was given in class to work on the assignments; pages 1 and 2 were done as group work. Work not completed during class will not be considered homework today, but unfinished work tomorrow will be homework :-)
Don't forget Conferences this evening from 4:00-8:00.
Cathy
Today, we returned to our regular schedule, including GA. This is nice because it gives kids a chance to get started on homework.
Ms Lytle collected the Picture Vocabulary assignment, and unfortunately several students were not done with the assignment. Those students were "zapped" which means they had to spend their lunch working on their homework while eating their lunch.
As we move deeper into Chapter 3, there will be an assignment every day. Today the students received their "packet" which is all the work associated with Chapter 3 that will be on the test in some form. This chapter is FULL of vocabulary, but the vocabulary conveys the concepts of the chapter. It is very important that your student understand the concepts of the vocabulary; simply memorizing the vocabulary will not provide enough knowledge. In an effort to reinforce the understanding of vocabulary words, we have been using a vocabulary word each day as "Question of the Day".
The assignment for today is to do pages 1,2, and 3 in the Chapter 3 packet. Time was given in class to work on the assignments; pages 1 and 2 were done as group work. Work not completed during class will not be considered homework today, but unfinished work tomorrow will be homework :-)
Don't forget Conferences this evening from 4:00-8:00.
Cathy
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
MEAP- The Last Day!
Today the kids took the last of their MEAP tests; Social Studies! That means after today the daily schedule will once again be "normal".
For the past two days, we have been reading pages 47-49 in the textbook, and drawing pictures to represent the vocabulary words from Section One. Classroom time was given yesterday, and students will have classroom time again today to work on this assignment. Any unfinished work will become HOMEWORK. The students were made aware of this yesterday :-)
We have tentatively planned for the Chapter 3 test to take place on Friday, November 4. This chapter is full of abstract concepts such as culture,culture traits, ethnocentrism, and economic systems. It would probably be to your child's advantage to read, and re-read, the chapter as we move through each section. The students will be receiving "booklets" this week which contain vocabulary activities and other work to help reinforce what is discussed in class. The booklet can also be found on my LMS web page under "Classroom Documents".
So...... your child may possibly have HOMEWORK tonight if vocabulary pictures are not completed during class today.
Thanks,
Cathy
For the past two days, we have been reading pages 47-49 in the textbook, and drawing pictures to represent the vocabulary words from Section One. Classroom time was given yesterday, and students will have classroom time again today to work on this assignment. Any unfinished work will become HOMEWORK. The students were made aware of this yesterday :-)
We have tentatively planned for the Chapter 3 test to take place on Friday, November 4. This chapter is full of abstract concepts such as culture,culture traits, ethnocentrism, and economic systems. It would probably be to your child's advantage to read, and re-read, the chapter as we move through each section. The students will be receiving "booklets" this week which contain vocabulary activities and other work to help reinforce what is discussed in class. The booklet can also be found on my LMS web page under "Classroom Documents".
So...... your child may possibly have HOMEWORK tonight if vocabulary pictures are not completed during class today.
Thanks,
Cathy
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday!
Thanks to all the parents who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences last night! It's great to meet you and have a couple of minutes to talk about your child. I think everyone is off to a great start, and I'm expecting a wonderful year.
Today we did the following:
Watched CNN Student News
Watched a short movie "Bugs for Breakfast", as an introduction of foods from different cultures
Discussed vocabulary from Chapter 3, Section 1.
There is NO homework for the weekend, except for those students "fixing" atlas pages or maps :-)
Have a great weekend,
Cathy
Today we did the following:
Watched CNN Student News
Watched a short movie "Bugs for Breakfast", as an introduction of foods from different cultures
Discussed vocabulary from Chapter 3, Section 1.
There is NO homework for the weekend, except for those students "fixing" atlas pages or maps :-)
Have a great weekend,
Cathy
Thursday, October 13, 2011
"The World's People" Vocabulary
These are the vocabulary words that will be introduced, discussed, and tested, for Chapter 3 -"The World's People"
culture culture region culture traits ethnic groups multicultural race acculturation symbol ethnocentrism domestication subsistence agriculture commercial agriculture civilization
gross national product gross domestic product industrialized countries literacy rate
developing countries third-world countries free enterprise market economy command economy tradition-based economy mixed economy one-crop economy exports imports interdependence birthrate death rate population density overpopulation migration emigrant immigrant
globalization popular culture refugees famine humanitarian aid drought
Not every word will appear on the test, and we will be using this vocabulary extensively while teaching the concepts of the chapter.
Thanks,
Cathy
culture culture region culture traits ethnic groups multicultural race acculturation symbol ethnocentrism domestication subsistence agriculture commercial agriculture civilization
gross national product gross domestic product industrialized countries literacy rate
developing countries third-world countries free enterprise market economy command economy tradition-based economy mixed economy one-crop economy exports imports interdependence birthrate death rate population density overpopulation migration emigrant immigrant
globalization popular culture refugees famine humanitarian aid drought
Not every word will appear on the test, and we will be using this vocabulary extensively while teaching the concepts of the chapter.
Thanks,
Cathy
Thursday, October 13
First, a reminder that conferences take place today from 4:00-7:30. ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers will be in the Gym, and conferences are on a "first come" basis. Please limit your conference time to five minutes; if you need more time, I will be happy to meet with you during my planning time - 10:50-11:35 daily. A second evening of conferences will be Thursday, October 20 from 4:00-8:00. I hope to see you there :-)
Today, Ms Lytle continued the "Culture" activity as an introduction to Chapter 3 "The World's People". The students have been investigating/observing items from several different countries and recording information about the items. The class then discusses possible uses for each item.
Chapter 3 is a "Vocabulary Heavy" chapter, so I am going to post the vocabulary words separately from the "daily chatter" of the blog. It is an interesting chapter that includes a general overview of the meaning of culture, economic terms, and a discussion of globalization. It is one of my favorite chapters in the book!
Cathy
Today, Ms Lytle continued the "Culture" activity as an introduction to Chapter 3 "The World's People". The students have been investigating/observing items from several different countries and recording information about the items. The class then discusses possible uses for each item.
Chapter 3 is a "Vocabulary Heavy" chapter, so I am going to post the vocabulary words separately from the "daily chatter" of the blog. It is an interesting chapter that includes a general overview of the meaning of culture, economic terms, and a discussion of globalization. It is one of my favorite chapters in the book!
Cathy
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
MEAP Testing
Again today we started with MEAP testing; Day 2 of the Reading test.
Ms Lytle introduced Chapter 3 by doing a great "Culture Bags" activity, so be sure to ask your child about it this evening :-)
There is no homework today, unless your child needs to complete Atlas booklet pages. We are, in theory, done with the atlas booklet and grades will be entered soon. We are not done, however, using an atlas. We will re-visit the atlas many times during the school year.
Enjoy the last nice day of summer-like weather. I hear "true autumn" is about to open its door.
Cathy
Ms Lytle introduced Chapter 3 by doing a great "Culture Bags" activity, so be sure to ask your child about it this evening :-)
There is no homework today, unless your child needs to complete Atlas booklet pages. We are, in theory, done with the atlas booklet and grades will be entered soon. We are not done, however, using an atlas. We will re-visit the atlas many times during the school year.
Enjoy the last nice day of summer-like weather. I hear "true autumn" is about to open its door.
Cathy
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
MEAP Testing
All LMS students will be taking the MEAP test for the next two days, October 11 & 12. We will also be taking MEAP tests next Tuesday and Wednesday, October 18 & 19. We are testing each morning from from 7:41-9:30. I encourage you to make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and a healthy breakfast everyday, but is especially important prior to a test.
We are completing our Atlas booklets today! Working with an atlas teaches one how to read and interpret maps, graphs, tables, and charts. This is a skill students need for every subject, and working with maps can make this task more interesting. Students are familiar with a map of the United States, so incorporating those skills often seems more meaningful. We will continue to use maps, charts, and graphs throughout the year.
Ms Lytle introduced Chapter 3, "The World's People" today. Chapter 3 is a "fun" chapter; the students will look at different cultures of the world, learn a little about economic systems, and take a look at globalization.
There is no homework tonight.
Thanks,
Mrs. Wood
We are completing our Atlas booklets today! Working with an atlas teaches one how to read and interpret maps, graphs, tables, and charts. This is a skill students need for every subject, and working with maps can make this task more interesting. Students are familiar with a map of the United States, so incorporating those skills often seems more meaningful. We will continue to use maps, charts, and graphs throughout the year.
Ms Lytle introduced Chapter 3, "The World's People" today. Chapter 3 is a "fun" chapter; the students will look at different cultures of the world, learn a little about economic systems, and take a look at globalization.
There is no homework tonight.
Thanks,
Mrs. Wood
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Today, we had a Fire Drill 2nd hour! Great excitement :-)
We started a new series of "Question of the Day", which we use as a review tool. We do collect the QotD and record as a grade. A student earns full credit simply by answering the question each day and turning in the paper at the end of the day. Correct answers are provided for the students, too, so this should be an easy grade for everyone to earn!
We watched CNN Student News and finished our Atlas work. We started correcting pages 7-10.
Ms Lytle, my student teacher, is taking on more and more of the classroom "leadership". She is doing an excellent job, and you can feel confident knowing that she is making the kids do exactly what I would be asking of them.
We started a new series of "Question of the Day", which we use as a review tool. We do collect the QotD and record as a grade. A student earns full credit simply by answering the question each day and turning in the paper at the end of the day. Correct answers are provided for the students, too, so this should be an easy grade for everyone to earn!
We watched CNN Student News and finished our Atlas work. We started correcting pages 7-10.
Ms Lytle, my student teacher, is taking on more and more of the classroom "leadership". She is doing an excellent job, and you can feel confident knowing that she is making the kids do exactly what I would be asking of them.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Today, we did the following:
Watched CNN Student News
Corrected an Open-book quiz the students did on Thursday
Corrected pages 13 & 14 in the Atlas booklet
Continued working in the Atlas booklet, pages 7,8,9,& 10 - these are homework if not completed in class :-)
Have fun at Homecoming!! Go Red Arrows! Go Tigers!
Today, we did the following:
Watched CNN Student News
Corrected an Open-book quiz the students did on Thursday
Corrected pages 13 & 14 in the Atlas booklet
Continued working in the Atlas booklet, pages 7,8,9,& 10 - these are homework if not completed in class :-)
Have fun at Homecoming!! Go Red Arrows! Go Tigers!
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